Thunderstorm And Flash Flood Warnings Issued As Storms Move Into Area

PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) — An organized complex of storms is bringing heavy rains, gusty winds and flash flooding to the area Thursday morning.

The entire state of Pennsylvania remains under a flood watch overnight and through the day Thursday.

Weather service officials say the greatest risk of flooding is in the northern portion of the state, while the worst thunderstorms are expected in southern areas.

“[The] flash flood watch goes until six o’clock [Thursday] evening with the potential to see at least an inch or two of rain, maybe some locally higher amounts, as that larger cluster… moves across here late tonight and throughout [Thursday] morning,” said KDKA chief meteorologist Jeff Verszyla.

“So, it will be around by rush hour, and as a result, we will be dealing with some heavy downpours and maybe some thunderstorms for the rush hour [Thursday] morning,” Verszyla said.

He says these storms bring with them the possibility for gusty winds and heavy downpours.

“Strong storms then overnight tonight, still the possibility of damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 miles an hour and that threat remains as well for heavy downpours – watching for those flood-prone areas given the fact that we can see a lot of rain in a short period of time,” Verszyla said.

The wet weather will begin moving out by the afternoon hours.

“The heaviest rains will end by the middle part of [Thursday] afternoon and most of the rain is out of here, but late-day clouds will linger,” Verszyla said.

State officials say a standby worker was added at the emergency operations center in Harrisburg and officials had ensured two National Guard helicopters were ready if needed for water rescues.